The laws of Pennsylvania define sexual harassment as any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including acts of either a verbal or physical nature. The types of sexual harassment that are most common when done by an employer are sexual advances, the exchange of workplace favoritism for sexual favors, and the creation of a hostile work environment that is overly sexual.

How does Pennsylvania Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?

First, Lackawanna County employers can be required to implement company policies that specifically address sexual harassment in the workplace. These must be posted in a visible area such as a break room. Such policies should include items such as contact information for reporting harassment incidents, procedures for filing claims, and any corrective or preventative measures should a claim be proven.

There are also agencies which are created by federal and Pennsylvania law for the specific purpose of handling sexual harassment cases. Such agencies have the authority to investigate work sites to determine if the complaints they receive in Lackawanna County are true. Additionally, these laws prohibit employers from firing an employee for alleging sexual harassment or taking any action in retaliation to a claim.

How can a Pennsylvania attorney help?

A claim for sexual harassment may be difficult to investigate and establish without the proper expertise in the relevant areas of law. The federal officers who investigate claims of sexual harassment are, unfortunately, often too busy to give much attention to any one claim. Therefore, hiring an attorney in Lackawanna County can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that Pennsylvania has defined.